INC Research, a Raleigh, N.C.-based global CRO, together with the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS), an Ellicott City, Md.-based global trade organization representing clinical research sites, have collectively awarded scholarship-based memberships to more than 100 sites worldwide through the SCRS Site Scholarship Program.

Funded by INC Research and developed by SCRS to retain and sustain sites participating in clinical research and build a critical mass of sites around the globe, the scholarship program brings new sites into sustainability through education and training.

In addition to the ability to participate in discussions and decisions that impact sites and the industry at large, sites awarded membership through the SCRS Site Scholarship Program are provided training and tools in six essential areas: business foundation, opportunity tied to first learning about a study, pre-study, patient enrollment, follow up and close out.

INC CEO Jamie Macdonald said, “INC partners with organizations like SCRS to provide sites with best practices and advancements in technology through education and training. Through the scholarship program, we’re able to provide an avenue for sites to stay current on industry standards, while helping them become more efficient in their operations and empowering them to grow and sustain this part of their business. This scholarship effort is a great supplement to our INC Research clinical research site awards program, which recognizes sites for the great work they do and their importance in helping bring new medicines to patients.”

Selection criteria for the scholarship awards include being in good standing with federal and state regulatory agencies and being in business for a minimum of three years. Scholarship program sponsors also are able to request inclusion of sites that represent a variety of settings, including academic sites, particular therapeutic areas of expertise, certain regions of the world, emerging countries, emerging sites and/or minority populations.